1 Corinthians 1:29

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that no flesh should glory before God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that no flesh should glory before God.
1 Corinthians 1:29 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29that no flesh should glory before God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That no flesh should glory in his presence.] That is, “in the presence of God”, as some copies, and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read; not in their blood, birth, families, lineage, and natural descent; nor in their might, power, and dominion; nor in their riches, wealth, and substance; nor in their wisdom, learning, and parts: for however these may be gloried in before men, yet not before God. These are of no account with him, nor will they be regarded by him, or men on account of them; and he has taken a method in choosing and calling the reverse of these, to stain the glory of all flesh, that no man may attribute his salvation to any thing of the creature, but wholly to the sovereign…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“no flesh . . . glory--For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (Co1 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Isa 40:6). in his presence--We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [BENGEL].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That no flesh - That no person; no class of people. The word “flesh” is often thus used to denote human beings. Matthew 24:22; Luke 3:6; John 17:2; Acts 2:17; 1 Peter 1:24; etc. Should glory - Should boast; Romans 3:27. In his presence - Before him. That man should really have nothing of which to boast; but that the whole scheme should be adapted to humble and subdue him. On these verses we may observe: (1) That it is to be expected that the great mass of Christian converts will be found among those who are of humble life - and it may be observed also, that true virtue and excellence; sincerity and amiableness; honesty and sincerity, are usually found there also. (2) That while the mass of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That no flesh - A fit appellation. Flesh is fair, but withering as grass. May glory before God - In God we ought to glory. 1 Corinthians 1:30”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co1 1:31, Co1 4:7, Co1 5:6; Psa 49:6; Isa 10:15; Jer 9:23; Rom 3:19, Rom 3:27, Rom 4:2, Rom 15:17; Eph 2:9 1 Corinthians 1:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification